19531To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 10 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Since my Letter to you of the 21 June, Brigre General Bloomfield communicated to me an order from the Secretary of War, which in substance agreed with the request, I had the honour to make to you, and of which you have a Copy inclosed. After compleating some official duties at Philadelphia I returned to New-York and reported myself ready to take such command as might “comport with my rank.”...
19532To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Charlemont, Massachusetts, 10 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1812. “The memorial & remonstrance of the Inhabitants of the Town of Charlemont in the County of Franklin & Commonwealth of Massachusetts humbly sheweth; that they hold in the highest estimation the right Solomnly guarranteed to them as free Citizens of a great Republic by the Constitution of their Country; of peaceably assembling together & of expressing their Opinion, of the measures...
19533To James Madison from William Tatham, 11 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have come up from Norfolk prepared to offer proofs to government of that unabating zeal for the public safety & prosperity which your late proclamation recommends; and to demonstrate to Administration that I am in a condition to be useful at the present crisis in many particulars resulting from singular pursuits, exclusive knowledge of our military & maritime topography, and many years...
19534To James Madison from Daniel D. Tompkins, 11 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 July 1812, Albany. Bears “unqualified testimony” in favor of Samuel Russell of New York, who will be recommended to the president for the office of deputy commissary general. Printed copy (Hugh Hastings, ed., Public Papers of Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor of New York, 1807–1817: Military [3 vols.; New York and Albany, 1898–1902], 3:25–26). On 9 Nov. 1812 JM nominated Samuel Russell to be...
19535To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, [ca. 12 July] 1812 (Madison Papers)
1. Organise regularly the encampment at Albany by marching there all the recruits, those intended for Niagara excepted 2. Invite offers of volunteers every where, but not giving orders to march (those intended for Niagara excepted) until the number in most places be ascertained, and it be known whether the changes in England will produce immediate peace The inviting offers as aforesaid through...
19536To James Madison from the Merchants of New York, 12 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1812. “Understanding that the office of Consul General of Portugal will become vacant in consequence of the return of George Jefferson Esquire to America, and that an application is about to be made for the appointment, in behalf of Richard M Lawrence Esquire a Native Citizen of the State of New York now and for two years past a resident in Lisbon: The Subscribers from a knowlege of...
19537To James Madison from Constant Taber and Asher Robbins, 12 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1812, Newport. Recommend that Capt. David Bartlett be awarded the rank of first captain for Rhode Island and state that Bartlett believes he is entitled to that rank because he has held a commission as a field officer, which the other captain from the state has not. Inform JM that Bartlett has forwarded or will forward evidence of his commission to the president. RC ( DNA : RG 94,...
19538To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, [ca. 13 July] 1812 (Madison Papers)
The monies approprd. by 1st. Sect. of Act herein mentioned, not being stated to be for the use of the navy cannot by the Secy. of the Treasury be ordered for that purpose. It must on the contrary be observed that the words used are the same wh. have in former laws been exclusively applied to fortifications & been accordingly placed under the controul of the Secy. of War. RC ( DLC ). Docketed...
19539To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 13 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I addressed a line to you on the 5th, & am happy to learn that Colo Porter has the command of Fort Independence; that he has upwards of three hundred men; & that he is daily receiving reinforcements. Sure I am, that nothing will be wanting on the part of the Republicans in this State, to aid General Dearborn, & to promote the veiws & orders of the national Government. It is impossible to say,...
19540To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Lyman, District of Maine, 13 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
At a legal Town meeting of the Inhabitance of the Town of Lyman in the county of york for the Purpose of Expressing our minds on the Desstressing situation of our Publick affairs in regard to the Declaration of war with great Britain and the great Provibilaty of our alliance with france at a very full meeting, the question was then taken to know who was for Peace and who was for war, a motion...
19541To James Madison from Elisha Tyson, 13 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
It is only under the apprehension of its being my duty, that I am induced to address a letter to thee upon the present occasion. The Spanish Privateer schooner Genl. Morla, with 32 affrican negroes on board, having put into this Port, under the pretext of being in distress, was libeled for a breach of the laws of the U. S. In a conversation which I have just had with the collector of this...
19542To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Riverhead, New York, 13 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 July 1812. “Whereas it highly concerns the Citizens of this Town, in union with the whole family of the United States at large; to take into serious and deliberate consideration our present situation relative to the high & aggravated injustice which this nation hath repeatedly experienced from the British Government; and for which purpose this meeting is now convened. Therefore, Resolved,...
19543To James Madison from the Residents of Buckland, Massachusetts, 13 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 July 1812. “Resolved, that we view with sorrow, a departure from our neutral, or Washingtonian principles. 1st. Because it is destructive to our interests and the peace and happiness of the community. 2d. Because it has a direct tendency to enslave those Nations who are struggling for their liberty on the Continent of Europe. “Resolved, that we do not so much dread a war with Great-Britain,...
19544To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 14 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Bearer of this Mr. Nancrede a naturalized citizen of the U. S. will be passing thro Washington on his way to the western country. I have desired him to solicit the honor of an interview with you to impart what he knows of the conduct of Aaron Burr while in this place. Mr. Nancrede had occasion to see him much & perhaps became as well acquainted with his projects as any individual, without...
19545To James Madison from Matthew Livingston Davis, 14 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you a letter recd. two days since from Mr. Nathl. W. Strong. You will perceive, Sir, that it is a private letter, and not intended for the inspection of any person but myself. I have, however, deemed it the most correct and honorable mode, to let you understand explicitly and frankly, how far I am interested in the appointment of Mr Strong. Should our affairs be settled with Great...
19546To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Holden, Massachusetts, 14 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
The memorial of the inhabitants of the Town of Holden in the State of Massachusetts— Humbly shews That your petitioners would have found a very particular pleasure in perceiving the measures adopted by the general government of the United States, such as they could cordially approve, & trust that none would be more ready than they to cooperate in carrying such measures into effect. Nothing can...
19547To James Madison from Lemuel Taylor, 15 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
On the 29th. of May I had the honor of inclosing a letter from Mr. Wilmer, Supercargo of the Ploughboy. My fears then expressed that no revision of the sentence would take place, have been realized by his arrival. It is already known to you that Mr. Barlow, impressed with the justice of the case, had warmly espoused my cause in remonstrating against the injustice of the decision, & claiming a...
19548To James Madison from the Delegates from Towns in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties, Massachusetts, 15 July 1812 … (Madison Papers)
15 July 1812. “In the exercise of the inestimable privilege of peaceably assembling and petitioning government for a redress of grievances, your memorialists, delegates from towns in the Counties of Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden, within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, legally appointed in regular town meetings, warned for that purpose, except in the four instances of West-Springfield,...
19549To James Madison from the Inhabitants of New Braintree, Massachusetts, 16 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
We your memorialists, beg leave to improve a constitutional privilege, in expressing our views and feelings, with respect to the late Declaration of War , by our government, against Great-Britain. While we would treat the opinion and measures of our Rulers with deference, we feel it to be a right and a duty which we owe to ourselves and to our Country, to express our sentiments at this time...
19550To James Madison from George S. Kavenagh, 16 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
The High Station you fill in the Hearts of your Counterymen Has Induced Me to adress My self to you in Preference to Making Interest through others and as My Statement is Certain Facts I Expect that Justice which Has Ever Marked with Honour your Precedency will be Extended in My Present application. Your Excellency may well Recollect the Decided Step Taken by you to Save from Ruin West Florida...
19551To James Madison from Jeremiah Anderson, 17 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am the unhappy young man to say again that I have not received an answer yet to my last dates —which grieves, me to the quick by Keeping me in suspence. I pray your Excellency will be so good to Send me my documents by return of Post together with an answer or without an answer—as may please your Excellency best. ’Ere’ I close I beg to impress on your mind the observation which I have...
19552To James Madison from Paul Carrington Jr., 17 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Conformably to an order of a general meeting of the people of Charlotte at their Court-house I transmit to you a Copy of their Proceedings. The Coincidence of your order, and the people’s sentiments, is satisfactory evidence of their truth, and justice; and I am the more gratifyed, as I am forceably reminded of our early acquaintance in 1786, and 1787, when we generally concurred in important...
19553To James Madison from George Joy, 17 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Leaving Town for a few days I sent to Lord Sidmouth the letter of which I take the liberty to enclose copy herein. I returned on the 11th. Instant & found a card of Mr Russell subjoining a request in pencil that I would call on him on my return. My letters have been regularly sent me; but of this card I knew nothing though it had lain a week at my lodgings and on calling I found he had left...
19554To James Madison from Robert Martin, 17 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
In your fathers liftime Capt. Scott—your father and one or two Others, agreed to let my Grandfather Ro. Martin have a Certain quantity of land, adjoining Capt. Scott & others; which was in his possession a Considerable time; he lived & died upon it—but your father for some Cause detaind the land [(]the part he was to give) & profered to give to the representatives of Robert Martin so much...
19555To James Madison from Caleb Nichols, [ca. 17 July] 1812 (Madison Papers)
The earnest Petition of Caleb Nichols of Plattsburgh in the State of N. Y. humbly Showeth, that Whereas the U. S. have Declared war against G. B. And Whereas Canada and Novascotia, Nay Hallifax alone, are worth continuing the war for. And Whereas it is reported, which report your Petitioner believes to be true, that the British orders in Council have been recinded. And Whereas the British...
19556To James Madison from William Pinkney, 17 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
From the enclosed Extract from the “American” it would seem that our Consul at Lisbon has retired from his Station; and it is possible that he may not wish to return to it. If that should be so, will you permit me to mention my eldest Son (William) for your Consideration as his Successor in Case one shd. be appointed. He can have the best Recommendation from Merchants and others of all...
19557To James Madison from William Wirt, 17 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
On passing through the county of Powhatan two days ago, I had the mortification to learn from a friend of mine that he had, with a kind yet illjudged officiousness, written to you in my behalf, recommending me for a military appointment. I was aware that you had lately received a similar intimation, through Mr. Brent, from another quarter; and ’though I had explained, immediately, to Mr. Brent...
19558To James Madison from William Farquhar, 17 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 July 1812, Natchez. Asks that JM permit him “to remain peacably untill He can dispose of his property lawfully aquired here; Pay his debts which are but few; and retire, to oppose in another land Napoleon the Tyrant the plague of Europe.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, War of 1812 Papers, Letters Received regarding Enemy Aliens). 1 p.; docketed by JM. William Farquhar of Natchez was described on the...
19559To James Madison from Richard Rush, 17 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 July 1812. Requests that JM “accept a copy of the discourse the delivery of which, on the 4th of July, he was so obliging as to witness.” RC ( PHi ). 1 p. Enclosure not found, but see n. 1. On 8 July 1812 the National Intelligencer reported that JM, along with his family and the heads of departments, had been escorted to the Capitol on 4 July to hear Rush’s address. Afterward, JM’s party...
19560To James Madison from James Barbour, 18 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just learned through Colo. Coles that he has received Orders to cause the recruits of the regular Army in this State, as well those now in the Forts of Norfolk, as those hereafter to be enlisted, to repair forthwith, to Carlisle, as a place of general rendezvous. This arrangement I presume has been made after due deliberation and the wisdom thereof, it does not become me to question....
19561To James Madison from Thomas Claxton, 18 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
At the South End of the South Wing of the Capitol there is a gang way or platform which serves for the entrance of the Galleries of the Ho of Reps—this passage, Sir was at first built of perishable Materials and is now almost impassable and in times of a Crowd, very dangerous, its elevation being about twelve feet from the ground. Having learnt that you are about to cause the expenditure of...
19562To James Madison from Ebenezer Sage, 18 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
On my return to this place I found that the Citizens had assembled in a number of places, and appointed Committees to devise the most effectual means of defence, in the event of an attack from the enemy. This port lies near Gardiners Bay: the best harbor for a fleet in the United States and where the british usually wintered their fleets in the time of the revolution. On Application, some...
19563To James Madison from Hugh White, 18 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
It is hoped that your Excellency will not be offended with the freedom taken by a citizen in sending you a few of his meditations & mental discussions on subjects which in a greater or less extent have occupied the rational faculties of the human race since the origin of the world. Relaxations, intermissions and unbending of the human mind from intenseness of study may be profitable both to...
19564To James Madison from the Citizens of Darlington District, South Carolina, 18 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 July 1812. Approve the declaration of war against Great Britain and report the following resolutions, “which were unanimously adopted.” “To avenge insult, and repel injury, is characteristic of a great and magnanimous people: To Suffer them with impunity, bespeaks pusillanimity, and invites to repetition. Great Britain compelled to acknowledge us independent, has always manifested towards...
19565To James Madison from the Citizens of Greenville District, South Carolina, 19 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 July 1812. Submit “the following address and Resolutions,” which were drafted by a committee of thirteen and “Unanimously adopted.” “Secluded as our happy Country has been from the horrors and privations of War, Indicative of that firm & Decorous Stand, as a nuteral [ sic ] which she long since adopted, as the best policy for a Republic to persue, under which policy, the American States...
19566To James Madison from Frederick Stump, 19 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 July 1812, Davidson County, Tennessee. “I tender you by the unanimous voice of the Company of Cavalry sixty four in Number our Services to be included in the fifty Thousand Volunteers or at your Exlency will and disposial.” Was appointed a cavalry captain by Tennessee governor John Sevier in 1808. Informs JM that his company is “in good order and well Equiped.” Adds in a postscript that he...
19567To James Madison from Anthony Morris, 20 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Among the numerous applications which you must receive for various appointments none perhaps have caus’d more difficulty on your part to decide upon, than I have found on mine to add to the number or weight of your perplexities on this Subject by mentioning my wishes for an appointment to some southern port of Europe, or South America, in which commercial advantages might be probably connected...
19568To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Brewster, Massachusetts, 20 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 July 1812. “The Inhabitants of the town of Brewster, in the County of Barnstable & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in legal town meeting assembled, respectfully represent, that when our most valuable earthly interests are at stake we trust that it will not be considered as an act of rebellion to exercise the privilege granted to us by the Constitution of this Commonwealth, which asserts that...
19569To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Plymouth, Massachusetts, 20 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 July 1812. Submit “the following memorial,” which “was unanimously adopted and voted to be … forwarded to the president of the United States.” “The inhabitants of the town of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in legal town meeting assembled, respectfully shew. “That having recently united with their fellow-citizens in the vicinity, in memorializing congress, upon the menacing...
19570Executive Pardon, 20 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 July 1812. “Whereas it has been made to appear to me that a certain D. McKenny, a private in the Marine Corps of the United States, has been sentenced, by a Court Martial to suffer death—Now be it known, That I James Madison, President of the UStates, for divers good causes and considerations, do by these presents pardon and remit the sentence aforesaid; requiring all persons whom it may...
19571To James Madison from Anthony Morris, 20 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 July 1812. Mentioned in Morris to Dolley Payne Madison, 20 July 1812 (DLC: Dolley Madison Papers). Introduces Samuel Mifflin to JM and enumerates his “recommendations.”
19572From James Madison to St. George Tucker, 21 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I was duly favored with yours of the 8th. on the subject of the B. officer arrested near Norfolk. The circumstances which attracted your notice very justly exposed him to suspicion; and it is more than possible that he had the views tho’ not the full character of a Spy. It was thought best however to commence the war with an example of liberality, and he was permitted as a mere alien Enemy to...
19573To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 21 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
It is said that the Consulship of Lisbon is vacant. If so, permit me to recommend with more than common earnestness Pemberton Hutchinson the son of my former friend Doctr. Hutchinson. The name is dear to every republican in this State both in city & country. And I am assured that the son by his talents & standing deserves the appointment. In one respect he has an advantage, that of being...
19574To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 21 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to send you a Brochure “on the principles, and laws of armed neutrality,” of which the contents, from particular circumstances, are highly interesting to the United States. The Head quarters of the Emperor of France are already Twenty leagues beyond Wilnaw. It is generally believed, that Russia will make but a feeble resistance against his immense army, supported by Austria,...
19575To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 22 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
The copy of the encyclopedie in the president’s library goes no farther than the 56th. livraison inclusive. I take the liberty to enclose herewith a moniteur which will give you the present state of that work & the promise of its continuance & completion. There is no doubt but it will be when done a most complete & useful set of Dictionaries, on all the sciences. If you will please to let me...
19576To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 22 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Since my recovery from indisposition, I have had an interview with General Dearborn, who informed me that he was soon to depart from Boston; & being informed by him of the state of our Castle, I enquired what was to prevent the Enemy, if apprized of our defenceless situation, from embarking all its regular troops at Nova Scotia, in transports trusting its defence for a short period to their...
19577To James Madison from William Jones, 22 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a Resolution of the General Assembly of this State pass’d on the 8th Inst and in conformity therewith permit me to request your Excellency to give orders to the proper officer to furnish me with two thousand stand of arms & six pair of Field peices vizt two pair of six pounders & four pair of four pounders with such quantities of ammunition &c for...
19578To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Barre, Massachusetts, 23 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 July 1812. “The Inhabitants of the Town of Barre in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts, beg leave to represent. “That in a government like ours, which is instituted, & established, for the protection, safety, prosperity & happiness of the People, they have a Right at all times to assemble in a peacable Maner, to consult upon the Common good, & to express their Sentiments &...
19579To James Madison from the Republican Citizens of Plymouth, Massachusetts, 23 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 July 1812. Submit the following address, which was “unanimously adopted.” “It is with the most painful emotions on the present occasion, that we feel it our duty to address the President of the United States. We should not interrupt his uniform, firm procedure in establishing & securing the rights of his Country; but we are constrained to this measure to evince to him, to the administration...
19580To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 24 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I received by the last Mail a commission from the Executive of Virginia appointing me in conjunction with Genls. Porterfield & Trigg Commissioners on the part of the State of Virginia to superintend &c the line between the Virginia Military reservation, & the lands ceded to the U States by the State of Virginia. Altho’ I feel anxious to undertake the duty of that office, so important to a...